Innovation > Processes > Manufacturing & Logistics

Lean Manufacturing & Logistics

Energy consumption at fabrication and logistics is getting more and more important in the production and logistics innovation.

Technology trends with regard to production and logistical methodology will have an important role in the near future to be able to compete with LCC’s.

OEMs are using, sometimes with different successes, methods such as lean-manufacturing, six-sigma and parts of, or the total Toyota Production System. They are using these methods to improve the efficiency of a new production process and to optimize the existing processes.

These are mainly new trends/developments for SME companies which they often expire hard to implement by lack of knowledge, experience or manpower. But these trends/developments are anyhow very important for them to be competitive.

Energy consumption and CO2 reduction already have an important role at production facilities. The trend to produce `energy-neutral’ is a result of these developments and help to meet the CO2 requirements of the coming years.
Since 2001 Toyota has reduced in its European factories the total energy consumption of producing a car with 37%. (Source: Toyota).
Volvo uses residual heat of a neighbor oil refinery for heating. This to diminish the CO2 emission (Source: Volvo).

ATC will organize workshops with the intention of market- and technology trends at production and logistic, in order to develop sustainable clusters who can lead to a successful project consortia. Partners in this consortia are the industry, SME companies, training/education/schooling centers and market in specific.

 

Cluster development
In the first half of 2010 the ATC has planned several workshops concerning Production and Logistic.
These workshops will be aimed at the 3 pillars of the Innomotive project, (strengthening, internalization and evolvement) mainly aimed to the SME.


Discussion
The automotive forum at the network section contains a special Lean Manufacturing Logistics forum where you can discuss on this topic.


Links
http://www.toyota.nl/inside_toyota/environment/toyota_production_system/index.aspx
http://www.volvocars.com/nl-BE/footer/about/environment/Pages/Production.aspx